I’ve driven through St. Louis multiple times. I have even seen the arch up close and personal in my early twenties. So when someone very special to me asked “Meet me in St. Louis?” I couldn’t say no. I was able to stop overnight on my way out west. While in St. Louis, I took some incredible photos of the arch and downtown. So many places traveled and I seem to forget about some until I’m looking back for a particular photo. Then I run across some great pictures that I would like to share. So here are a few pics from my overnighter just inside the Missouri boarder. The short time there was so fun. Special memories were made and I know I will return again one day.
The Arch
The arch is quite magnificent if you’ve never seen it up close. Made from stainless steel, it glistened in the evening lights. Only recently I discovered the arch was completed in 1965 making it just 57 years old.
The Old Courthouse
St. Louis is also home of the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was filed and heard. “The courthouse was built in 1839 and served as the site for a number of landmark civil rights cases” according to the Gateway Arch web page. You can read more interesting historical information about the Dred Scott Case at the National Park Service page.
Finally, these photos are from sculpture and art discovered while walking around downtown. I hope you enjoy and of course, any feedback is appreciated. Thanks for reading! xxooC
I’ve never been the one for speaking up for myself. I admit, I’m a people pleaser. In my childhood I dared not speak my mind. This action always met with fierce condemnation. Therefore I learned quickly not to speak up for myself. This carried into my adolescent and adult life. There were a few rare occasions where I actually did say what I was thinking. When this did happen, I remember pride mixed with astonishment in myself. I was always in awe of the people around me who could easily just snark or put their thoughts out there. In therapy, I discovered these are all learned behaviors. Unlearning a lifetime of unproductive behaviors is difficult. We teach people how to treat us. I also discovered that by not speaking up but staying silent, I am allowing myself to be treated differently than I want.
Now mix grief into this. I thought feeling hopeless would give me courage. It did in some areas of my life but curiously not in this one. I used to watch my husband. He would say something in a room full of people just to watch everyone get triggered and then leave before someone’s head exploded. “This was an art” I often thought. I could never be so bold. Grief however has definitely emboldened me, but not always in the best ways.
Fear with Anxiety
There was a time I was highly self destructive. In this journey I’ve also been highly creative. The real work on myself began in the midst of this trauma. Anxiety disorder is something that comes and goes in my life. Before the past two years, I really hadn’t dealt with it to the extent I have now. With anxiety comes fear. I realized an irrational fear of abandonment is something I’ve had my entire life. Now to actually be abandoned through no one’s fault. Well that has made this fear a reality and that is the cornerstone of where I am today. I know this but I don’t know how to deal with it but I’m learning.
Confronting Fears
Reconnecting for me continues to be difficult. Grief sets new boundaries but knowing one’s boundaries is important. Reinforcing the boundaries set is even more challenging. I had a conversation the other day with a very good friend about this topic. We both knew it and thus we both understood it completely. Talking about it is easy. Putting what I know into practice is something else altogether. Speaking up for myself, through setting and enforcing personal boundaries makes me confront my fears. Fear of ridicule, fear of abandonment by someone who doesn’t want to respect my boundaries. Fear of disappointing, and fear of confrontation.
Speaking Up with Love
So I constantly ask myself the question, “what have I got to lose?” The answer is nothing and I have to remind myself of that. I truly believe we get what we put out into the world. Someone once said to me, if something is said or done with love then it is never bad. My resolution to myself is to walk in love. I choose to love myself hoping that reinforcing my personal boundaries out of love for myself will continue to bring positivity into my life. Those that understand this may stay. Those that don’t may leave.
Do you struggle with personal boundaries? What irrational fears have you experienced? I want to hear from you. xxooC
My love for California started six years ago. I flew in to Ontario airport for the Nocturnal Wonderland Festival in the hills outside San Bernardino. The drive to the hotel was almost an hour. I remember thinking the landscape looked similar to Las Vegas but then it didn’t. That weekend changed my life because of the magic that happened there in the Glen Helen Amphitheater. Since then I have journeyed back to San Bernardino four more times.
Over the past year, I drove to Redding twice. Once for another festival and then just to go. For the festival, I drove from Redding to San Bernardino and back. It was a trip of a lifetime and again, magic happened. During this trip I fell deeper in love with California. Since then I have since longed to see more of this beautiful state.
The Los Angeles Tourist
Last month I flew to Los Angeles for the Tattoo Convention in Pamona, CA. From there I took a three day trip to LA and San Francisco. Let me tell you I saw so many sights in those three days my head was overwhelmed. I am so happy and grateful just to take it all in.
I know I will not get to these in the order I visited but each was super special. First stop was Venice Beach where breakfast at the Sidewalk Cafe was simply something out of a movie. Which by the way, I caught the filming of a movie and a commercial. I have no idea what they were, but I am excited to see if I ever come across them in real life.
From there I walked the beach to the pier and back. The ocean smell filled the air. Muscle beach and the skate park distinctly stood out among the landscape. I saw lots of smaller attractions like the world’s smallest front yard and the Venice city sign at the entrance on Windward Avenue. I keep reminding myself, more photos, more photos.
More California Love in LA
Then it was on to Rodeo Drive. I didn’t shop but I did walk it. So many places to see in such a short time. A quick stop at the Original Farmers Market in The Grove. Michelina had the best sweet snack before heading to the original Cookies Dispensary on Melrose Avenue.
Melrose included more shopping but I won’t bore you with those details because next was West Hollywood and the walk of fame. Grauhman’s Chinese Theater was so intriguing. Moments marked in time by present and passed individuals that somehow left their mark on this city’s entertainment industry.
The trip wouldn’t be complete without the Hollywood sign and of course a Beverly Hills street sign. My last stop before heading to San Francisco, was the Public Art “Urban Light” exhibit next to the Museum of Art. The light exhibit there was the backdrop of some of Gucci’s street show last year so I had to visit. This concluded Monday and Tuesday morning.
Leaving Los Angeles
The drive to San Francisco was about five and a half hours long. The scenery on Interstate 5 was familiar until 580. I feel like Northern California has a distinct vibe that is much different than Southern California. I had that “aha” moment again like “why have I not been here before?” I find my internal dialogue saying that a lot.
My Short Stay in San Francisco
San Francisco was a lot to take in. Again, I wish I had taken more photos. My host and gracious guide made sure I saw the important places including The Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
One of the highlights was when I stopped for some fruit at the Haight Street Market. Next door to the market was a red building. I noticed about five people stopping to take photographs so I took one also. Later I learned this was The Red House. The site of Jimi Hendrix apartment while he lived in San Francisco in the 60’s.
I’m absolutely positive I’m leaving some places out. My time in lovely city was less than 24 hours but it left it’s mark on me. The city has a vibe I’ve never felt any place else I have ever been.
So that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed the trip with me. Please comment, ask questions, all that stuff. Love you all. xxooC
I had the good fortune of traveling to California recently. The Body Art Expo in Pamona, California was in June and I attended with my good friend and tattoo artist Rich Shires of Tattoo 42 in Beaverton, Oregon. Flying into LAX on Saturday evening was an experience in itself. I’ve flown into Ontario, California’s airport plenty but never LAX so this was a new adventure. Anyway, I arrived and off I went. Sunday came and the convention was more exciting than I anticipated.
Now I’ve attended many a convention in my former life of a tattoo shop owner but never like this. I was a guest of Tattoo Wrap so I spent quite a bit of time around this booth. Compared to other conventions I have attended, this one was warm and welcoming. I met a lot of friendly people along the way.
Sights To See
It’s been a minute since I was at a tattoo convention. Performance artists were not a thing back in the early 2000’s but now they are everywhere from conventions to festivals and I love all of it. Suspension by flesh is an art and has always fascinated me. I was just starting to research the mechanics of it when we sold our shop in 2011. I guess you could say this is on my bucket list so I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity if it presented itself.
The performance artists were from Phoenix and wow, did they put on amazing shows. Below are a couple of videos. I made these videos rated R so be prepared to see flesh pulling and some blood. You have been warned. The shows were fabulous.
My Take Aways
There were many vendors beyond tattooers. Tattoo suppliers, t-shirt makers, jewelry makers, and other vendors were there. I can also say it had a distinct So Cal vibe to it.
I’m grateful to have been able to experience this. After attending the convention, I had a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles which will be coming in another post so stay tuned. Thanks for reading xxooC
I love Tiffany & Co. I try to visit every store I can when I find one. The service is exceptional and I just love the iconic jewelry. I enjoy everything about just being inside the store. The quote from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s is true “…nothing very bad could happen to you there.” But this is not a plug for Tiffany’s and that’s not what I was really trying tell you about. Also I need to add my engagement ring did not come from Tiffany’s.
A section of Tiffany’s I usually try to avoid at all costs is the bridal and anniversary section. Because let’s face it. First, I can’t afford anything there. That’s beyond the obvious fact I’m neither getting married or will ever have another anniversary so I figure, hey why tempt myself. Anyway, somehow I ended up strolling through this section in Portland, Oregon over my birthday weekend. I was struck by the Tiffany single solitaire diamond. We’ve all seen it in the magazines. This ring is much more beautiful in person which made me think of my engagement ring with it’s long sorted history.
My Engagement Ring Story
My late husband’s proposal was definitely a story to accompany my engagement ring. Not a beautiful, romantic story as I have heard others tell, but still an interesting one nonetheless. He started by asking what my favorite stone shape was and I answered him with a princess cut. That’s all he needed. He went to a family owned jewelry store and the sales girl helped him pick out a diamond. Then the setting. Side note, after he proposed he tells me he put back the original diamond he chose as he thought it would be “too large and overpower my hand.” To which I thought what girl would ever choose the smaller diamond? But I dared not say that out loud. My ring was gorgeous. The most beautiful ring I had ever seen and my man picked it all out himself. I fell in love with my diamond.
Next he took me on a trip back to his hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana. He waited until my birthday in 1997. We stayed at his friend’s house. We woke up in a small but quant bedroom. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We were married in February the following year.
For our fifth anniversary I asked for more bling. So we traded in my old wedding set, a cathedral platinum setting for a band with more diamonds. This band had a row of 3 baguette diamonds down each side. Again, my man picked this out for me. I loved it. We threw in a plain platinum circular wedding band. This was my set. I wore it with pride and loved it for many years.
Perfectly Imperfect
That was until I broke a prong. I took it in to be repaired. The jewelry store (I won’t mention any names because the story takes a good turn) tried to “fix” it. They destroyed my ring. It could not be fixed. The manager refused to give me a new one or replace the diamond prong setting. It never looked the same. I was devastated. For over ten years I had a ring that brought me to tears when I looked at it. I couldn’t wear it. So I put it away.
Then one day, I was working at the mall. A new manager from the same jewelry store was in shopping. She handed me a card trying to recruit me or anyone I knew. I told her my story. She invited me to bring my ring in. My hopes were not high. She had the diamond setting replaced and made it look just like it did when I bought it. All for free. I cried, and cried some more. I loved my ring again.
Lost And Found
Fast forward now to about two weeks before my husband died. We travelled south to our daughter’s wedding. I tore my jewelry box apart on my closet floor looking for something borrowed for her to wear. My engagement ring had fallen on the carpet and I didn’t see it when I returned everything back to my jewelry box. After we returned home, and exactly six days before he passed, my husband found my ring on the carpet. He commented “here’s your engagement ring” and laid it on the shelf in the closet. Then he died.
I was going through things shortly after just putting valuables together and I saw my ring. Sitting there, on the shelf he put it on. He was the last person to touch my engagement ring, and there it was. This ring that had meant so much to the two of us. A promise between us. Till death do us part. I put it on and wore it for many months. Then I took it off.
Another Reminder
My moment in Tiffany’s reminded me of my perfect, beautiful ring. A symbol of a life and a union that no longer exists. As I have been reminded several times during my new widowhood, I am no longer considered married. I can’t wear it. I don’t know what to do with it. At this moment in time, I can’t bear the thought of removing the diamonds or shaping it into something else. Maybe that will come in time. I’m finding a lot of things I can’t hold onto anymore but I am unable to let go of.
So for once, Tiffany’s was not my happy place but a crossroads for me. I realized I will always live with one foot in this life, and one in that one. These moments will continue to come. For how long, I don’t have the answer to that. Thanks for reading. xxooC
Is there anything you have been holding onto from a life you no longer have?
The drive didn’t take long. The usual four and a half hours. This trip was different though. This time I was going to do something that was long overdue. My husband is going home. I’m taking his ashes back to his home state of Indiana. I decided to spread part of his ashes on the Lake Michigan beach called The Dunes, where he grew up and spent a lot of time. He moved to Kentucky back in the early nineties but family is still there, and very close friends. We frequented his old haunts quite often throughout our more than two decades together. Chicago and northern Indiana was a trip we traveled often.
Going Home After 2 Years
The morning came and I woke up more anxious. I’ve never had negative feelings about putting him somewhere and although I know and love his family, I think having them all in one place and the actual experience of saying goodbye is what put me on edge. The finality. As I said, this was long overdue. We all gathered a little after 7pm.
Some friends and family members I had seen recently, some not. The homecoming was good. It was peaceful. He would have approved. There at dusk, we stood in a circle and told stories about him like he was truly gone, but yet not really. The way I have felt for two years, others shared my feelings. The exact same feeling. I’m always astounded in hearing how much he touched lives. Lives that I was completely unaware. There is always a story somewhere that surprises me. This gathering was no different. The loss was apparent. Brother, son, friend, uncle, father, they all were there. The life of this man cut so short. The pain I experience is also experienced by each and every person attending this gathering. The relationship may be different but loss is universal to the human existence.
Afterwards
The whole thing, I hate to call it a ceremony, I don’t think he would approve of anything formal and I just want to call it going home. Anyway, the whole thing lasted longer than I expected. It was way more emotional than I expected also. At the end I put him in the sand. No prophetic words, nothing. I had nothing to say. I’ve already said it all. I still say it, I can’t believe a life is over. His life. Our life. My hope is that one day, when all of the ashes are gone, I will find peace.
Here is the other tattoo story I told you I would get to. It’s about my leg. Well my leg is where it landed, the tattoo was happening regardless. This tattoo idea actually started way back in the early 2000’s. If you are a Louisville native then you probably have heard of the St. James Art Show. I used to go every day, every year.
The Chins
I stopped to see works by an artist Ric Chin. Ric was born in Hong Kong and grew up in New York City. When I spoke with him, he was living in Greensboro, North Carolina. I’m sad to report that since the original writing of this article, Ric has also left this world.
Now when I would go to the local art festival, I would stop into his tent which he occupied with his wife, on more than one occasion for years. He specialized in oriental pieces, mostly watercolors. Every chance I could until he and his wife stopped coming, I would visit Ric. He and I had many conversations about his life and life in general. He was a very talented and interesting man.
The Idea About My Leg
One year, he had made small prints of several paintings and he was writing names on them with a paint pen for a price. He explained to me that there were no kanji symbols equal to names in traditional Chinese. Kanji has phonetics and therefore the symbols he wrote were to be sounded out but he guaranteed his work. As we also talked in length about tattoos. He loved the art. He was also a consultant. In Greensboro especially, tattoo studios would send him what the client wanted written and he would send it back in traditional Chinese for a fee. So I asked him to write mine, Eric’s, and Emily’s names.
I hung them in the hallway of our house for many years. They hung with other artwork I had purchased from Ric. When we moved in 2019, I didn’t hang much on the walls so everything remained stored. Once I returned and found them I knew I wanted mine and Eric’s name tattooed on me with his cremains mixed in. Now to find an artist.
An Artist for My Leg
I knew the exact person for the job. My friend Kaitlin Fox down at Sacred Art Tattoo & Piercing in New Port Richey, Florida. I hit her up and lucky for me, she was excited to do it.
This would be Kaitlin’s first time working with cremains so about 48 hours of heavy research went into the process. Eric had worked with cremains before and from what I knew, it wasn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Once we both understood the ink mixing process it was time to get started.
Strange Events
The whole tattoo took less than an hour I believe. A strange thing happened when I opened the urn. An electricity spun up out of the urn and traveled through the air. The air became light and almost took on a different hue. That feeling surrounded us and stayed with us until the end. Then it was suddenly gone as quickly as it arrived. We both noticed it, we both felt it.
Reflections
I’m so excited to wear this tattoo and my lower thigh was the perfect spot. Kaitlin did a stellar job making Ric’s brush strokes look exact. I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m so proud of it and it’s so original. I smile every single time I look at it.
So that’s it. That’s my story. While a few other unexplained, strange phenomenon happened in the studio that day, I’m going to leave you here. If you want to know you may ask but you must keep an open mind. It’s not for the faint of heart. Thank you Kaitlin, thank you Ric, and thank you for reading. xxooC
I’m so excited to give you my personal tour. Chicago has been a favorite destination of mine for a long time. The city offers so much to do, see, and experience. Besides housing great works of art, these parks also host a variety of events throughout the year.
The reason I wanted to highlight these two parks specifically was this. As I travel around and I talk about places I love, Chicago seems to be a place where I frequently hear the phrase “I would love to see Chicago, especially the Bean and the waterfront.” Well, as I was looking through photos, I came across some I just wanted to share with you!
These are just some highlights this space has to offer!
First Stop On My Personal Tour- The Bean of Course
My personal tour begins with the Bean. Specifically it’s name is Cloud Gate and it’s located in Millennium Park. The reflections leave me in awe and I just can’t get enough of this space. I have sat here for hours one day.
According to MillenniumPark.org, “Cloud Gate was created by using computer technology to cut 168 massive stainless-steel plates into precise shapes which were then pieced together like a puzzle and welded shut. Once fully assembled, the 12-foot-high central arch provided a “gate” to the concave chamber on the underside of the sculpture prompting Kapoor to formally name the piece Cloud Gate. A network of two large internal rings connects a truss that allowed the sculpture to be assembled and direct the weight to two points at the base. The stainless-steel skin was attached to the internal structure with flexible connectors that allow it to expand and contract in response to the extreme weather conditions in Chicago. The cost of Cloud Gate was completely underwritten by the Millennium Park Foundation using funds from private donors.”
Second Stop On My Personal Tour- The Famous Buckingham Fountain.
“The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park and runs from 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, typically from early May through mid-October, depending on weather. Display times are subject to change during special events in Grant Park.”
“While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes. Each evening, the final major display begins at 10:35 p.m.”
The first time I saw this fountain I was running through the park one morning. It stopped me in my tracks. The sheer size of it is enormous. This space is also worth some time just sitting. There are plenty of places for that too.
The Next Stop- The Agora.
My personal tour takes us back to Grant Park. Chicago.gov says this installation is “comprised of 106 nine-foot tall headless torsos made of cast iron, the artwork derives it name from the Greek word for meeting place. The figures are posed walking in groups in various directions or standing still. Internationally renowned artist Magdalena Abakanowicz donated the sculptural group along with the Polish Ministry of Culture, a Polish cultural foundation, and other private donors.”
I barely reach half way up the statue! Standing in the daylight with their shadows all around you is an experience I highly recommend.
We’re Almost Done- Metal Flowers!
I was running through the park on another occasion and came upon these flowers. My personal tour would not be complete without showing you lilies made from car parts. Honestly I had no idea they were car parts at the time. I just learned that little nugget when I was writing this.
The flowers are part of a 2006 “Allstate Insurance Company sponsored the Artists and Automobiles exhibit in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary.”
I’m not sure whether my photos are Dessa Kirk’s or John Mason’s flowers or both. The best information I could find about them is here at the Chicago Park District website. I just think they are unusually beautiful.
The Last Stop On My Personal Tour- Spirit Of Music Artwork.
It was erected in 1923 according to Chicago Parks and is by artist Albin Polasek.
Please click on the links provided to learn more about the works in each photo as well as other interesting features, sculptures, and things to see in these two fabulous parks.
Well that’s it for now. This concludes my personal tour for you. These are just some of the highlights I chose to photograph. Again, I make no claims to being a photographer and I usually won’t edit my photos for you.
I know this is just a couple of my favorites and you may have your own. Let me know what yours is! Thanks for reading and I wanted to mention, all of my photos are originals taken by me from 2016-2021.
Hi there, I think it’s time we address this topic. Yes, I have been traveling alone for the past 2 years. I decided early on that I would never turn down an invitation. That means I am usually en-route to see friends or family. I believe getting there is half the adventure!
Yes…undoubtedly there are some of you I haven’t gotten to yet. My apologies and promise I will reach out to see you soon!!
I believe what few understand is the trauma surrounding grief. There is a lasting physical and mental trauma that no matter how much medication and therapy it never goes away.
I won’t mince words here. In June 2020 I was stricken with unbelievable panic disorder, PTSD, and complicated grief. The best one can hope for is to bury it, disguise it, learn to function throughout the day to appear normal on the surface. Subsequently I’m still working on all of that. I can’t say I’ve found the answers to anything. What I did know is I had to keep moving for my own sanity. Make no mistake, I mean moving not moving forward. Moving forward after loss is still a concept I haven’t made sense of nor pretend to understand.
The Beginning of My Journey
My first trip booked was to Sanibel, FL by way of Venice, FL. To quote my therapist “the only person stopping you is you.” The most profound words I have ever heard. I booked the trip and off I went. It was scary, it was liberating, it was self serving, it was eye opening.
The next trip was out west. I thought well…”if I can do Florida, I can do the west coast.” And again, off I went. I journeyed to Redding, CA, then to San Bernardino, CA (which may turn into another post hopefully) and as a result, has led me to even greater adventures.
How It’s Going- Traveling Alone
Now, for those of you wondering where and what I’ve been doing, here’s a little run down. From California in late summer 2021, I ventured up to Portland and Bend, Oregon. I made a mini road trip to Seattle, Washington. I’ve been to Buena Vista, Colorado Springs, and Denver, Colorado. I fit in a quick trip to Chicago, IL. I even went to visit my people in middle Illinois that summer too. Hey peeps I see you!! I’m absolutely positive I left some places out.
I used to hate driving but now I love it. It’s really all about time. Driving is annoying and counter productive when time is limited and valuable. Whenever time is no longer a factor, driving can surprisingly be the best way to get around. I can take whatever I want and stay as long or as little as I want.
Wintering in Florida
After the summer adventures out west, I traveled again to Florida in the fall. I was fortunate enough to see the keys for the first time in my life. It was in late 2021 and I kept thinking “why have I not been here sooner?” Key West and Key Largo were absolutely amazing and beautiful beyond words. I am grateful to be able and to have experienced these life changing spaces and moments. I wish this for everyone, I truly do. Go live your life, on your terms.
Traveling Alone in 2022
In January of this year I attended Groove Cruise out of Orlando, Florida. I drove down and met friends then traveled over to the coast. We cruised from Port Canaveral to Freeport, Bahamas and back. And that trip my friends is a WHOLE nother story!
In February and March I made another road trip back out west. California and Oregon again. All of this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kansas City, Missouri. It’s my jumping point to Colorado and the west. Additionally, I’ve fallen in love with the city and continue to go there.
Shows and Festivals
I’ve done two full on, multi day festivals, Hard Summer 2021 (2 days) and Groove Cruise 2022 (4 days). Groove Cruise was on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. Hard Summer was in San Bernardino, California. I’ve seen a couple of small shows in Chico, California.
What’s Happening Next
In the near future, I’m visiting Forecastle Fest in Louisville, KY for one day only. There’s a trip planned to Las Vegas in the summer and then who knows, perhaps California again. Besides Forecastle, I’m looking at Hard Summer again in July although there is nothing definitive yet.
Later this year I also have Escape Psycho Circus in SoCal already on the books for Halloween. The first one since Eric left. It was his favorite festival above all others. After that, who knows. My schedule is filling up quickly.
Lastly, there has been talk of snowboarding in the fall and winter to prepare for an Alaskan heli/cat skiing trip in February 2023.
If there is anything you want to specifically see or to see me do, write me. Share me with your friends. Please give me feedback, I want to hear from you. Love you all! Xxoo C
First off, I want to say when I decided to visit a castle in Colorado, this was not what I was expecting. I knew nothing about this place beforehand. After driving more than hour, what I encountered was easily something out of fairytales and days gone by.
Parking was on the road and I had to walk up a hill before the whole area came into view. Then I was completely amazed. Bishop Castle is free to visit and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Enter at your own risk!
A Little History About The Castle in Colorado
From the website Bishop Castle this was the dream of Jim Bishop and he has been working on construction for more than 60 years. There are 3 floors with a grand ball room, lots of staircases, landings, and little secret spots.
Navigating The Castle Interior
No part of the castle is off limits but be warned. The staircases are narrow and lots of landings are high. Although there is railing, one could easily go off or over. The floors are well, sketchy in parts but the views are worth it.
This is the ceiling in the grand ball room from inside.
The history page on the website is fascinating and full of information about how the castle came to be. It tells that at the tallest point the castle stands at roughly 160 feet. The Learn and explore page gives more information about the dragon and how it was born.
The website and signs say that from the beginning and subsequently, until the addition of the gift shop, the castle relied solely on donations.
The gift shop can be seen in the distance.
So if you ever find yourself out near Rye, Colorado, the Bishop Castle is a must see. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous at night also. Remember it NEVER closes! Thanks for reading!
This past February, I was fortunate enough to get back out to Redding, California. I spent a couple of weeks with my good friends Sam and Kristian. One day Kristian wanted to show me a few of her favorite spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest north of Redding, especially this one particular place where three bridges stood.
Basically, lots of old pieces of bridges remain throughout the state. As the interstate flourished, these relics were blocked off and forgotten about. But at one time, these old bridges were the life and arteries connecting cities and towns. Some remain in use but many are abandoned and subsequently nature is reclaiming them.
What makes this place is so amazing was because we could stand in one place and view three different bridges. Two were still in use and one was not.
The bridge on the bottom is the old I-5 and the one on top is the new I-5.
In the photo above, looking directly to my left was this bridge. It was another road which no longer exists on the map. It’s remnants ran from the parking lot, across this bridge and dead ends under the new I-5.
This is where this spot is located in case you ever get a chance to visit.
The Abandoned Bridge
The photo above is the bridge to no where. Dirt and trees have taken over this road and it is lost just beyond this photo.
Under the bridge, off in the distance on the left side of the stream, is where the old road dead ends. At some point earth was piled up, or maybe some sort of land slide happened which completely covered it long ago.
These views were from standing on the old bridge and looking over. I wasn’t brave enough to venture inside nor did we have time that day.
An Abandoned Bridge
There was water running under the unused bridge. Nearby on the map was Boulder Creek which runs into the Sacramento River. I’m not quite sure where this water was coming from. This spot was secluded with the distinct sound of running water, with the occasional noisy car or truck sounds from overhead. I found it peaceful. I hope you enjoy my pictures! Thanks for reading.
So after the excellent tacos I had to go out walking around the city to explore. I’ve been here once before but that was last year and the end of summer. I was also nursing a severe leg wound from dumpster diving (I may write about that at some point) which cut my day short.
Directly across the street from the Power and Light District where the restaurants were was some amazing architecture. I love photographing buildings and murals. I definitely don’t consider myself a photographer by any means but I find the experience fun. So here goes!
The Parade of Hearts
I started to see these hearts around town. After a little Googling, I discovered they are part of an art installation from March until May. Over 100 artists contributed and you learn more about them at The Parade of Hearts website. There you can see all of the hearts and a map of where to locate them.
This heart above is called Fil-Am and by artist Jessica Endaya Keefer. It is a graphic representation of the Filipino-American culture. More about this particular heart can be found here.
This blue and yellow lemon heart is called What Do You Do When You Don’t Have Lemons by Ivey Zoellers and you can find her story here.
This lemon heart represents overcoming hardships with hope.
This heart is called Community Bookshelf. It’s in front of the library and is by Dimensional Innovations and Whiskey Design.
This is the library. The exterior is fascinating. Yes those are book spines of famous literary works.
Down toward the river is a walk. I’ve noticed this in other parts of the country wherever there is a fence type structure, there are locks.
Out Walking The Riverfront
A couple more photos from my walk. So there you have it. The city is so beautiful. I also visited the World War monument last summer. There’s a post coming about that soon also!
Well that’s it for this trip. If you have photos or comments of KC I would love to see and hear them! Thanks for reading.
